Track rail fastening device



Nov. 8, 19384;: w s ER EJ3535 TRACK RAIL FASTENING DEVICE Filed May 28., 1956 Patented Nov. 8, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRACK RAIL FASTENING DEVICE Alfred H. Whisler, Upper Darby, Pa.

Application May 28, 1936, Serial No. 82,190 1 Claim. (01. 238- 349) This invention relates to devices for securing track rails; and it has reference more particularly to track rail fasteners of the clip type useful in conjunction with tie plates to hold the rails in place.

The aim of my invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive rail fastening device of the kind referred to which is easily placed and removed, and which is secure against accidental dislodgment in use.

As hereinafter more fully disclosed, the rail fastening device of my invention embodying the above attributes, has the form of a U-shaped spring clip with a bottom extremity adapted to engage inwardly through an upstanding apertured projection at the side of the tie plate into overlapping relation with the contiguous edge of the rail base flange, and with an upper extremity adapted to overreach the projection aforesaid, said extremities being respectively formed with means, which, by joint action in cooperation with said projection determine the operative position of the clip in respect to the rail base and the tie plate, and hold it securely in place.

In the attached drawing,

Fig. I is a cross sectional view of a track rail with a supporting tie plate, showing the track rail secured to the tie plate with the aid of fastening devices embodying my invention.

Figs. II and III are perspective views of one of the fastening devices observed from two different an les.

The track rail shown at l in Fig. I has the usual cross section, with a head 2 at the top of a web 3 rising centrally from a symmetrically flanged base 4. The tie plate 5 is secured, along its side edges, to the tie 6 by means of screw bolts 1, and is provided with upstanding projections 8 immediately adjacent the opposite side edges of the rail base 4, each of said projections having a longitudinal slot aperture 9.

The rail fastening devices with which my invention is more especially concerned are comprehensively designated by the numeral [0 in the drawing. As shown, each fastening device ID has the form of a spring clip fashioned to U- shaped configuration from relatively stout, flat spring metal with upper and lower extremities ll, I2 of different lengths. The upper or shorter extremity I I has its end bent downwardly at right angles as at l3 toward the lower or longer extremity I2, while the latter is formed, at an intermediate point in its length, with an upward hump I l.

The clip I0 is sprung into place, resting upright on the tie plate 5 as shown in Fig. I, with its longer lower extremity I2 extending through the slot aperture 9 of one of the upstanding tie plate projections 8 and the end thereof over1apping the contiguous edge of the flanged rail base 4, and with the shorter extremity II overreaching the tie plate projection and its end engaging behind said projection. It will be further observed from Fig. I that the hump It engages the upstanding projection 8 of the tie plate at the outer side and thus not only serves as a stop to limit the extent of inward protrusion of the lower extremity l2 of the clip ID, but also as a bearing fulcrum for the end portion of said extremity which overlaps the rail flange 4. As a consequence of the coaction of the down-turned end l3 of the upper extremity H and the hump l4 on the lower extremity l2 with opposite sides of the projection 8, the clip is locked against the possibility of accidental dislodgment in use. Obviously, the application and removal of the clip can be effected without the aid of special tools other than those ordinarily used in track construction and maintenance.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

The combination with a track rail having a horizontal base flange, and a supporting tie plate with an upstanding transversely-slotted projection adjacent each side edge of the rail base flange; of a rail fastening device in the form of a U-shaped spring clip of flat strip metal with a lower extremity adapted to be passed horizontally through the slot of the tie plate projection with its end overreaching the contiguous side edge of the rail base flange and having a hump adapted by coaction with the upper edge of the slot in the tie plate projection to press the end of said lower extremity into firm contact with the rail flange, with the loop of the clip resting on the tie plate, to limit the extent of its inward protrusion through said projection, and an upper extremity with its end downwardly directed to look over the tie late projection and prevent outward displacement of the clip in operative position.

ALFRED H. WHISLER. 

